My definition of success as a musician is being happy!
Mainly Two, contemporary violin duo
Be curious and open-minded; take risks; pursue unusual avenues; be disciplined (it’s not always fun, but it pays off!) and dedicated
Lawrence Dunn, composer
I do a lot of thinking about the piece: usually it’s nebulous, some combination of mood, intensity, colour, topic; sometimes there are clear ‘scenes’ that come into view.
Jess Gillam, saxophonist
I love the versatility and dynamism of the saxophone. It can convey so many different emotions, just like the voice can, and one minute you can be making a hugely powerful, aggressive sound and the next you can be floating the sound
Peter Donohoe, pianist
we need to identify in our own minds exactly why we really want to be performing musicians, and what we feel is the true role of music in modern society
Cheryl Frances-Hoad, composer
I heard a ‘cello being played on the radio (I can’t remember who was playing) when I was about 6, and just knew that was the instrument I had to play. I fully intended to just become an internationally famous concert ‘cellist (as you do!) but gradually composing took over.
Mahan Esfahani, harpsichordist
I’m proud (if that can be the word – delighted, happy?) when someone says to me that I can make the harpsichord sing.
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